Self-incrimination
When someone gets a legal demand to answer questions or hand over documents as part of a civil investigation, that person cannot refuse just because the answers might get them in trouble with the law. However, if that person speaks up and says they are protecting themselves from self-incrimination, then whatever they say or hand over cannot be used against them in a criminal case. To get that protection, the person just has to say so out loud during the process or let the attorney general know.
407.045. — person claiming right not subject to or — procedure. — In any under section 407.040, no individual shall be permitted to refuse to any question to the matter in controversy or to refuse to produce or testify on the ground that the or documentary material required of him may tend to him or subject him to any penalty; but, if such individual asserts his rights against self-incrimination, he shall not be subject to criminal prosecution or to any for a criminal penalty or on account of any transaction, matter or thing concerning which he may testify or produce documentary material. To avail himself of this section, such individual need only make his assertion of his right against self-incrimination on the or known to the .
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Source & history notes
(L. 1985 H.B. 96, et al.) Effective 5-31-85
Legal information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official source at revisor.mo.gov.